Crisis and Resilience Fund

From 1 April 2026, the UK Government will introduce a new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will replace the current Household Support Fund. The CRF will run for 3 years and is there to help residents who face sudden financial shocks or unexpected changes in their circumstances. 

Alongside providing immediate help in difficult moments, the fund is also designed to strengthen financial security for people on low incomes. This means supporting residents to cope better with unexpected costs so fewer reach a crisis point. As part of the programme, councils are encouraged to invest in services that help build financial resilience. This refers to a person’s ability to manage and recover from setbacks such as a sudden drop in income or an unexpected bill. Strengthening financial resilience helps people handle future challenges more confidently and reduces the need for crisis support in the long term.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is Government funding for local authorities in England to:

Unlike the short‑term extensions of the Household Support Fund, the CRF provides a three‑year settlement, giving councils more certainty to plan support. National guidance states that help should be based on need and delivered in the most accessible way for each individual.

Under Government guidance, the CRF can be used to provide immediate support with essential costs and to help residents build longer‑term stability. This may include: 

Councils decide the exact schemes and eligibility criteria, in line with the guidance. 

Wokingham Borough Council has confirmed that funding through the CRF is lower than previous Household Support Fund allocations, meaning it will not stretch as far as in recent years. The council will therefore need to prioritise support carefully to ensure it reaches those with the greatest need. 

Further details about how the CRF will operate locally – including eligibility, how to apply and the role of partner organisations – will be shared once arrangements are finalised. 

As part of the application process, you will need to provide your National Insurance number, bank details, details of income and expenditure, and upload proof of ID, proof of address and copies of bank statements. You will be asked to provide evidence of both the crisis and your financial situation:

Apply below and the council’s welfare and benefits team will respond within 5 working days.

Referrals for additional support 

When considering your CRF application, it may be appropriate to offer additional support that could help improve your situation. For example, checking you are receiving the right benefits or speaking to a debt adviser. 

As part of your application, we may talk to you about this kind of support and where appropriate. We may offer to refer you to another organisation that can provide specialist advice or support to help address the issues contributing to your situation, and we will only make a referral with your agreement. 

If you are struggling, other help may also be available: